Easter is, of course, the time of year when Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but don’t expect to learn that on the English Heritage children’s Easter trail.
‘Did you know Easter started as a celebration of spring?,’ children who take part in the trail are told. Any mention of Christ or Christianity is omitted from that sign, which has been planted at English Heritage sites across the country. However, one god does get a look in. This first panel, decorated with children collecting flowers, painted eggs and a cheery Easter bunny, gave the following account of the origin of Easter:
‘Long ago, people welcomed warmer days and new life by honouring the goddess Eostre, who gave Easter its name!’
The sign then relates a further ‘Fun Fact’:
‘Some traditions for Eostre included dancing around bonfires and decorating homes with flowers.’
The sign may be charming for young children, but it is almost completely devoid of truth.
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